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Robin van Persie has made headlines in recent weeks with his comments regarding his sides’ tactics in recent games.

Following Manchester United’s defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League first-legged tie, Robin Van Persie didn’t hold back his thoughts regarding United’s system that night.

Rumours and reports have since spread suggesting that the Dutchman isn’t happy at Old Trafford and wants to leave the reigning Premier League champions – but is that really the case?

Reported by The Mirror, Van Persie has come out in defence of his recent tactical queries, stating that as a result of his age and experience he is simply trying to learn more about that side of the game.

He said: “As I have got older and more experienced, I have become more sensitive to what my coaches are doing,” said the Dutchman.

“I want to know why we are we doing this or why are we training like that.

“I did not ask those kinds of questions when I was a young player, but now I find it interesting to study why my coaches are making certain decisions.

“I want to know why they do things and why they say things to the players, and why they want to play a certain way.

“I think much more about all those things at this stage of my career. I watch the managerial process all of the time.

From Arsene Wenger’s passing game, to Bert van Mawijk’s counterattacking Dutch side, to Sir Alex Ferguson’s famed Old Trafford width and finally David Moyes’ conservative style – there is no doubt that Van Persie has had a lot to take in over the last few years.

But do his queries show a lack of faith in his current employer? Or is he simply trying to take in as much information as possible to learn for next season?

With his future very much in doubt, this summer will tell a lot whether Van Persie really believes in David Moyes’ style and tactics and whether he feels capable of learning from them.

Tom Thorogood

I'm a 27 year old language teacher and writer based out in Mexico with a passion for football and swimming. I like to focus on the top European Leagues, especially La Liga, as well as the footballing development in Central and South America. My favourite teams include Derby County, Barcelona and Jagaures de Chiapas.